Covid-19 Detail at a Glance

Global cases stand at more than 4.1 million

The total number of confirmed cases stands at 4,102,955, while the global death toll has reached 282,719, according to Johns Hopkins University. The US has reported the most fatalities at 79,528, followed by the UK (31,930) and Italy (30,560).

Some European nations ease restrictions

Millions of people across Europe are set to embrace a relaxation of stay-at-home rulestoday. In France members of the public were able to walk outside without filling in a permit for the first time in nearly eight weeks. In Spain, urban hotspots such as Madrid and Barcelona remain under lockdown – alongside southern cities Malaga and Granada – but elsewhere people made plans to meet friends and family in bars and restaurants that have outdoor spaces. In Switzerland, primary and middle schools have reopened, as have shops and restaurants.

Spanish death rate falls

Spain’s health ministry reported 123 coronavirus deaths on Monday, the country’s lowest level in seven weeks and down from a peak of 950 in early April.

New Wuhan cases

An untraced coronavirus outbreak in a Chinese city near the Russian border and a spate of new cases in Wuhan has prompted fears of a fresh wave of infections in China. Wuhan has recorded its highest number of new infections since 11 March, reporting five new cases for 10 May, among 17 new cases nationwide, the highest in almost two weeks.

Fears over Korean outbreak

Authorities in South Korea are struggling to contain a new outbreak linked to the capital’s nightclub district as a backlash against the country’s gay community increases, prompting fears LGBT people will fail to get tested out of fear of being outed.

New Zealand to move to level 2 lockdown

Jacinda Ardern said parties, weddings, stag dos, and funerals will be capped at 10 attendees, both inside and outside, deeming these events “high-risk”, with the country’s largest clusters spreading from a wedding, a St Patrick’s day party and a conference. It came as the country reported three new cases.

Saudis announce sharp economic measures

Plans to raise taxes and cut public spending have been announced by Saudi Arabia as it attempts to deal with both the Covid-19 pandemic and a collapse in oil prices. Taxes on basic goods are to triple to 15%, spending on major projects cut by $26bn and a ‘cost of living allowance’ for individuals is to be scrapped.

US vice-president Mike Pence taking precautions

His office said Mike Pence was not in quarantine and plans to be at the White House on Monday, local time, but was taking precautions after an aide tested positive for Covid-19 last week.

Boris Johnson sparks confusion with lockdown exit plan

The UK PM’s next moves have been labelled divisive, confusing and vague after he said some places could reopen and the government was “actively encouraging” people to return to work, without giving details of how. He is due to explain further later on Monday.

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